If we are genuinely honest with ourselves, we would admit that our "prayer life" is not as it should be.
Thank you! (when we get our way)
Thank you! (when we eat)
Thank you! (when we go to sleep)
When your life is spinning out of control - health, finances, relationships and politics - do you spend a little more time crying out for help?
For what do we pray? HOW are we asking? WHAT is our expectation?
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray without ceasing".
Good times and bad. Sickness and health. Understanding or not. Rich or poor.
Happy or angry. Your way or not. Without ceasing.
Join me in thinking through a prayer of ministry...
"Johnny" makes a need known and asks for you to pray for him. Well, what do you say? "Sorry dude, I do not feel like praying for your stuff. Too busy." Of course not! We will surely be responsible and pray for his need (even better if we do so immediately).
"Lord, you know Johnny's need and I ask that you meet his financial need in a powerful way. Amen."
I am feeling pretty spiritual! I did my part! I handed off the baton of responsibility to the Lord...or did I? What are we asking God to do? Magically fill the bank account? Help him find a bag of money?
I suppose we need to be reminded that we are the church. We are ambassadors for Christ. We are His hands and feet. We are stewards of His resources. We minister to others in His name and by His grace. (Look at the end of Acts 2) So, we do not pray for God to come down at our beckoned call and fix the situation...
He has already come down!
And He established His dwelling place within each genuine follower, accompanied by His power. For what? To be the church to others.
Are you praying that "someone" will find a friend? (Hello!)
Are you praying that someone would be comforted in a time of grief? (Hello!)
Are you praying that someone would be encouraged? (clearing my throat)
Are you praying that someone would be saved? (If only God would share His testimony and give them an invitation...or use me...)
We are not transferring responsibility - we are assuming responsibility! We pray to align ourselves to God, then do as He directs in the power He has given for His glory.
Now. For what do you pray? Do so without ceasing, because we do not cease being the church.
